Charlotte Rae
Charlotte Rae
Full Name and Common Aliases
Charlotte Rae Lillian Reed was a renowned American actress, best known by her stage name Charlotte Rae.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on March 25, 1926, in Jacksonville, Illinois, she passed away on August 5, 2018, at the age of 92.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession: Actress
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family of modest means, Charlotte Rae developed a passion for performing arts from an early age. She began her career as a dancer and singer, eventually transitioning to acting after serving in the United States Marine Corps during World War II.
Education and Training
Rae attended Northwestern University's School of Speech, where she honed her craft under the guidance of renowned theater director Joseph Sullivan.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout her illustrious career, Charlotte Rae amassed an impressive array of achievements. Notably, she:
Won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for _Mame_ (1966)
Received multiple Emmy nominations for her portrayal of Edna Garrett on the popular sitcom _The Facts of Life_ (1978-1980)
Appeared in over 60 films and television shows, solidifying her status as one of Hollywood's most beloved character actressesNotable Works or Actions
Some of Rae's most notable roles include:
The Facts of Life (1978-1980) - She played the iconic Edna Garrett, a strict yet lovable housemother to a group of teenage girls at the fictional Eastland School.
_Mame_ (1966) - Rae won her Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her breakout performance as Mrs. Upson Down.
_Alice_ (1978-1985) - She played the recurring role of Vera Louise, a wise and witty waitress who became a close friend to the show's protagonist Alice.
Impact and Legacy
Charlotte Rae's impact on the entertainment industry extends far beyond her impressive body of work. Her dedication to mentoring aspiring actors earned her numerous awards and accolades:
Rae was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1986.
She received an Honorary Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1995.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Charlotte Rae's enduring popularity can be attributed to her unique blend of wit, charm, and talent. Her iconic performances continue to inspire new generations of actors and entertainers. As a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, Rae remains widely quoted and remembered for her sage advice, "You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great."
Quotes by Charlotte Rae
I'd like for 'Facts of Life' to include more stories about Mrs. Garrett. But I wouldn't want to do a spin-off built around her.
Composers, artists, actors, singers - all of them, I think, unconsciously learn from others. I'm sure it's not conscious, but they can't help it.
Television does devour you because you have all sorts of responsibilities, and I really needed to renew myself. I think I owed it to myself. So I honored myself and quit. I think that's a wonderful way to put it.
When I moved to New York to start my acting career, I was always very, very careful to walk way around ladders, and black cats could ruin my day. There were many silly things that brought fear into my life.
When I was little, and whenever I had to wear a dress while my mother took up the hem or made any alterations, she told me to keep a thread from the dress in my mouth while she was sewing, and that would keep me from getting stuck by the needle.
People of a certain age still remember me as Edna Garrett. They often want to give me a hug because the character was so warm and nurturing. I don't mind at all. I think it's very nice.
When I started out, I wanted to be a serious actor. I never thought I'd get into comedy.